Beef Science Commons^™

Selenium Form-Induced Changes In The Early Luteal Phase Corpus Luteum, The Blood, And The Endometrium During Early Gestation In Beef Cows, Sarah Nancy Carr

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Selenium (Se) deficient soils and thus forages are widespread throughout the United States, necessitating supplementation of this trace mineral in the diet of grass-fed cattle to negate detrimental effects of a deficiency on immune function, growth, and fertility. Conventionally, Se is supplemented to cattle in a vitamin-mineral mix as an inorganic form (ISe) although the organic forms (OSe) are available when cattle consumer forage, and OSe has been shown to increase the bioavailability of Se in cattle. Previous research has demonstrated supplementation with 1:1 mixture (MIX) of ISe and OSe compared to ISe alone increases systemic concentrations of progesterone (P4) …

A Single-Cell Atlas Of Bovine Skeletal Muscle Reveals Mechanisms Regulating Intramuscular Adipogenesis And Fibrogenesis, Leshan Wang, Peidong Gao, Chaoyang Li, Qianglin Liu, Zeyang Yao, Yuxia Li, Xujia Zhang, Jiangwen Sun, Constantine Simintiras, Matthew Welborn, Kenneth Mcmillin, Stephanie Oprescu, Shihuan Kuang, Xing Fu

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Background

Intramuscular fat (IMF) and intramuscular connective tissue (IMC) are often seen in human myopathies and are central to beef quality. The mechanisms regulating their accumulation remain poorly understood. Here, we explored the possibility of using beef cattle as a novel model for mechanistic studies of intramuscular adipogenesis and fibrogenesis.

Methods

Skeletal muscle single-cell RNAseq was performed on three cattle breeds, including Wagyu (high IMF), Brahman (abundant IMC but scarce IMF), and Wagyu/Brahman cross. Sophisticated bioinformatics analyses, including clustering analysis, gene set enrichment analyses, gene regulatory network construction, RNA velocity, pseudotime analysis, and cell-cell communication analysis, were performed to elucidate …

Rumen And Urine Amine/Phenol-Metabolome Of Beef Steers With Divergent Residual Feed Intake, Taylor S. Sidney

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Cattle production is one of the most important agricultural industries in the United States. Despite its overall production efficiency, the industry is facing considerable adversities to its long-term sustainability due to population growth, decreased land availability, and the increase in global warming. Since feed efficiency imposes an immense influence on the cost of production for animals and is a major cost determinant for profitability, the improvement of feed utilization through the understanding of animal-to-animal variation in feed efficiency is pertinent to increase farm productivity and profitability. Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency and is defined as …

The Investigation Of Novel Bovine Oocyte-Specific Long Non-Coding Rnas And Their Roles In Oocyte Maturation And Early Embryonic Development, Jaelyn Zoe Current

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Early embryonic loss is a significant factor in livestock species' infertility, resulting in an economic deficit. In cattle, the in vivo fertilization rate is ~90%, with an average calving rate of about 55%, indicating an embryonic-fetal mortality rate of roughly 35%. Further, 70-80% of total embryonic loss in cattle occurs during the first three weeks after insemination, particularly between days 7-16. Growing evidence indicates that the oocyte plays an active role in regulating critical aspects of the reproductive process required for successful fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy. However, defining oocyte quality remains enigmatic. Recently, many have abandoned the notion that …

Effect Of Lighter (273 Kg) And Heavier (356 Kg) Initial Weight On Growth Performance Of Single-Source, Pre-Conditioned Beef Steers Fed A Single Growing-Finishing Diet, Thomas C. Norman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of the study was to determine the influence that initial BW has on growth performance responses, efficiency of dietary net energy (NE) utilization, and carcass traits in feedlot steers. Light- and heavy-weight Charolais×Red Angus steers (n = 70) selected from a larger single-source group were used in a 209-d growing-finishing feedlot experiment at the Ruminant Nutrition Center, in Brookings, SD. On d-0 and d-1 weight and hip height (HH) measurements were collected for allotment purposes; the initial experimental weight was the average between d 0 and d 1 BW. Steers were assigned to two groups based on initial …

Diet And Management Strategies To Mitigate Decreased Feed Intake Associated With Terminal Implant Administration In Finishing Beef Steers, Alexandria M. Kelly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Terminal implant administration in beef steers often leads to decreased feed intake, leading to less growth. Our objective was to identify diet and management changes that can mitigate this decrease in feed intake. Single-sourced Angus x Simmental steers (n=27, initial BW= 385.1 ± 30.8 kg) were utilized in a completely randomized trial to assess the effects of animal movement and increased forage inclusion on rumination and feed intake after re-implanting. Steers were initially implanted with Synovex Choice (100 mg trenbolone acetate and 14 mg estradiol benzoate; Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ), then reimplanted 88 d later with Synovex Plus (200 mg trenbolone …

Evaluating Precision Supplementation Technology And Mathematical Nutrition Models For The Development Of Heifers Grazing Dormant Rangeland In Western South Dakota, Anna Katherine Dagel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Great Plains supports about 40-50% of beef cattle production in the United States. Consequently, the beef cow-calf sector provides a large economic impact for states located within the Northern Great Plains (South Dakota Department of Agriculture, 2021). Producing profitable rangeland beef cattle through an economically efficient cowcalf operation presents several challenges. These challenges include providing adequate nutrition to meet the needs of growing heifers on rangelands, which requires additional labor and feed/supplement to achieve desired rates of gain and reach a target body weight, resulting in reproductive success. Implementation of precision livestock technology (PLT) and the use of precision …

Addressing Soil Carbon Sequestration Response From Multispecies Dairy Forage Systems And Modeling Rangeland Beef Cow Dry Matter Intake Using Precision Enteric Emissions Measurements, Lillian J. Mcfadden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Regenerative agriculture is a pressing matter for the dairy industry to address cropland sustainability and carbon sequestration. One regenerative management practice that has been identified to help with row crop sustainability for key metrics like soil organic carbon (SOC) is complex covers. When producers use complex covers one of the main challenges is that it takes time to detect a change in SOC. However, simulation models are a tool that can be used to help determine if a regenerative practice is a strategy that gives the best results (i.e., increased SOC) while aligning with long-term production goals. Therefore, our objectives …

Identification Of Genes Expressed In The Anterior Pituitary Associated With Water Restriction In Beef Cattle, Himali Chathurika Wickramasinghe Vithana Arachchilage

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Water is an essential nutrient and is required for growth, metabolism, lactation, and reproduction. Without water, livestock production would not be possible. Despite its importance, water requirements in livestock have not received much attention from the research community since the 1950s. The most recent edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (8th edition) relies on literature from the 1950s or earlier for defining water requirements in beef cattle. Since the time these requirements were estimated, much has changed with regards to body size, genetics, and productivity of our livestock herds, including beef cattle. Global surface temperatures have increased in …

Regional Assessment Of Live Cattle And Carcass Characteristics In The Northern Plains, Harlee A. Brauckmuller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this project was to perform a regional assessment of live cattle and carcass characteristics in the northern plains. The assessment audited three packing plants to assess fed cattle, cow, and bull production. The live animal factors evaluated were transportation, mobility of cattle, identification, brands, and mud/manure present. Data collected during the slaughter process was bruising, dentition, and offal condemnations. In fed cattle yield grade, quality grade, and hot carcass weight were assessed. In cows and bulls muscle score and fat color score were assessed. To assess differences between cattle in the Northern Plains and cattle in the …

Exploring The Biological Basis Of Residual Feed Intake In Beef Cattle Using Multi-Omics Analysis., Godstime Ayobami Taiwo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Efficient feed utilization is critical for both economic sustainability and environmental responsibility in modern livestock production. While there has been extensive research, the multifaceted nature of feed efficiency remains complex, with many biological factors still unexplored. This dissertation examines the physiological foundations of feed efficiency by elucidating some of the complex biological mechanisms associated with residual feed intake (RFI) phenotype in beef cattle, using a range of Omics approaches. We hypothesized that metabolites related to amino acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acids could act as potential biomarkers for RFI. Through a chemical group-based metabolomics method, we identified enriched pathways in feed-efficient …

Effects Of Limit Feeding And Shade Allocation On Growing Calf Performance, Water Usage, And Animal Comfort, Z. L. Debord, Z. M. Duncan, M. G. Pflughoeft, K. J. Suhr, W. C. Ellis, W. R. Hollenbeck, S. P. Montgomery, T. J. Spore, E. C. Titgemeyer, D. A. Blasi, A. J. Tarpoff

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of limit feeding in conjunction withshade allotment on animal performance, animal comfort, and water usage during periods of heat stress.

Study Description:During the summers of 2021 and 2022, 852 heifers were assigned to one of four treatments: limit-fed high-energy ration or high-roughage ration fed forad libitumintake with or without access to shade. Growth performance and water usage were measured during a 90-day growing period. Calves were fed a gut equilibration diet for 7 days to account for gut fill.

The Bottom Line:Limit feeding a …

Evaluation Of Kansas Beef Consumers’ Awareness And Understanding Of Business-To-Consumer Marketing, L. K. Decker, K. R. Lybarger, J. Kwon, G. Ibendahl, Y. Teng-Vaughan, D. Kehler, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of the study was to determine the understanding and knowledge level of consumers purchasing beef in a business-to-consumer (B2C) format within Kansas.

Study Description:A digital survey was created to evaluate consumers’ familiarity and satisfaction of buying beef in a B2C format. The survey was made available for a two-week period to consumers utilizing the Shop Kansas Farms online social media group.

Results:Results of the survey showed 93% of consumers (n = 174) reported having previously purchased beef products from a local producer or locker. Of these, 63.1% reported that their most recent purchase was their …

Change In Myoglobin Denaturation Among Three Degrees Of Doneness Of Three Muscles, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, E. G. Kidwell, S. G. Davis, K. M. Harr, K. R. Lybarger, L. A. Egger, M. D. Chao, M. D. Zumbaugh, J. L. Vipham, M. C. Hunt, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the changes in myoglobin denaturation through cooking three different muscles to medium rare, medium, or well-done degrees of doneness.

Study Description:Strip loins (n= 12) and top butts (n= 12) were used to evaluate the physiochemical properties of thelongissimus dorsi, biceps femoris,andgluteus mediusfor three degrees of doneness (DOD; medium rare, medium, and well-done).

The Bottom Line:As expected, the myoglobin denaturation percentage increased with increasing DOD and behaved similarly to changes in the a* values. This research gives more insight into the impacts of cooking …

Establishing Spoilage Thresholds Of Ground Beef In A Traditional Retail Case Scenario, G. E. Corrette, E. S. Beyer, E. A. Mendez, V. Hay, T. G. O'Quinn, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine spoilage in fresh ground beef and the perception of consumers regarding alteration of sensory characteristics, as well as the acceptability at different days of shelf-life.

Study Description:Ground beef loaves (n= 84) of 80% lean, 20% fat composition and aerobically packaged were stored in a simulated refrigerated retail case for 6 days. Consumers evaluated visual color, odor, touch, and taste. Instrumental color, lipid oxidation, aerobic plate count, andEnterobacteriaceaecount were determined.

The Bottom Line:In this study, color was shown to be the important product characteristic of spoilage to …

Potentials Of Pleurotus: Reimagining The Relationship Between Cattle And Brewer's Spent Grain, Zoe Stojkovic

Senior Projects Spring 2023

Brewer’s spent grains (BSGs), a byproduct from beer production, are generated in excess globally. Most often, they are sold or given to proximate cattle farmers for use as feed. However, spent grain can also be used as a medium for fungal cultivation. Given that certain fungal species have the capability to degrade lignin and produce protein, the cultivation of fungi on spent grains may serve to enhance the nutritional profile of the grains for their use as cattle feed. This project is an effort to determine the compatibility of fungal cultivation with BSGs in order to both improve upon cattle …

Evaluating The Effect Of Accelerated Aging At Different Temperature And Time Points On Beef Quality And Enzyme Activity Of Lower Quality Beef Cuts, H. Jeneske, C. K. Chun, S. Hene, L. A. Koulicoff, H. Aufdemberge, J. L. Vipham, T. G. O'Quinn, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study aimed to explore the effects of four accelerated aging (AA) methods at different temperature and time points on meat quality and enzymatic activity of two lower quality beef cuts.

Study Description:Shoulder clod and top round were collected from 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture choice beef carcasses, fabricated into steaks, and assigned to one of six treatments: 3 days postmortem (control), cooler aged for 21 days, AA 120°F for 2 h, AA 120°F for 3 h, AA 130°F for 2 h, and AA 130°F for 3 h. Yield was calculated based on loss during AA and cooking …

Consumer Sensory Evaluation Of The Impact Of Bone-In Versus Boneless Cuts On Beef Palatability, K. J. Farmer, E. S. Beyer, S. G. Davis, K. M. Harr, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine palatability traits of beef cuts of differing bone status and quality grade.

Study Description:Paired (n = 12 pairs; 24 total/cut/grade) boneless and bone-in ribeye rolls, and short loins were procured. Short loins were fabricated into boneless strip loins with corresponding bone-in tenderloins or bone-in strip loins with boneless tenderloins. Post aging, subprimal cuts were fabricated into steaks that were randomly selected for further analysis. Consumer sensory panelists (n = 144) were recruited from Manhattan, KS, and the surrounding area and paid for their participation in the study. Panels were conducted …

2023 Cattlemen’S Day Full Report, Liz Boyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This report includes research conducted in 2022 on beef cattle management, reproduction, nutrition, and meat science conducted at Kansas State University.

Determination Of Consumer Color And Discoloration Thresholds For Purchase Of Retail Ground Beef When Evaluating Multiple Days Of Display Simultaneously, K. R. Lybarger, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, L. A. Egger, L. N. Drey, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, M. D. Chao, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to identify the threshold for color and discoloration for consumers to purchase ground beef in a simulated retail display and to determine the best objective measurement to predict consumer purchase intent.

Study Description:For this study, 180 1-lb 80% lean/20% fat ground beef packages were assigned to a day of retail display (day 0–9). Consumers (n = 216) and trained descriptive panelists evaluated ground beef samples from each day of display simultaneously. InstrumentalL*(lightness), a*(redness),andb*(yellowness) values were collected, and spectral data were recorded. Logistic and simple …